I am using some ideas from “Teaching Backwards”. I always plan my lessons with the end goal in sight. However, this book suggested getting students to audit where they are, as well as thinking about any previous knowledge they have, transferable skills etc. I made the attached sheet for my Year 9 class and will read their responses when I mark their books later this week. I am hoping that I will be able to provide some independent activities that support some of the areas that they have highlighted.

by Kyl Messios

I have been using Beaumont School resources to explore questioning across the key stages. I’ve been working from the Black Box and the Teaching and Learning blog. It has been brilliant to go through the wealth of ideas that other teachers suggested in the Questioning Quail inset activity, and I’ve tried out quite a few.

If this is the answer, what is the question?

This has been really useful, wherever I’ve applied it. I’ve tried it with Year 7, 10, and 13, and found that the result is consistent, regardless of year group of topic – the students are compelled to look at the answer from different angles and think much more deeply about it than they would with a straightforward ‘key question’ to start the lesson. This can be applied as a starter, but is just as effective as a plenary. Year 7s used it to identify and define subject specific vocabulary, while I used it with Year 10s as a way into a new scheme of work. Looking ahead, I plan to use it with Year 13s to get them identifying and creating exam questions based upon answers given.

Percentage correct

Quick and easy way of getting students to build upon, and add to, their own and others’ answers. This was put to good use in Year 9 and 10 evaluations.

I’m planning on trying out What’s in the Bag?, but just haven’t yet worked out what to put in the bag! I’ll keep you updated!